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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Elderhood summary
Louise Aronson
Redefining Aging, Transforming Medicine, Reimagining Life
21 mins
Brief summary
'Elderhood' by Louise Aronson is a revelatory exploration of the aging process and its impact on individuals and society. The author challenges outdated perceptions of growing old and offers a compassionate and insightful perspective on the value of elderhood.
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Elderhood
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Key idea 1 of 7
We’re biased against old age, and banishing our bias starts with changing our language.
When you hear the word “old,” what comes to mind? Don’t try to come up with the “right” answer. Just take note of whatever pops into your head.
Professor Guy Micco asks this question of his new medical graduate students every year at the University of California, Berkeley. If you’re like most of them, you probably listed things like “wrinkled,” “bald” or “bent over.” Maybe you also included “frail,” “feeble,” “sick” or “fragile.” These associations classify aging as a descent from the pleasures of youth to the difficulties of old age.
This bias is, in part, a matter of unfamiliarity. For the vast majority of human history, most people never reached old age. As a result, humankind has had more time to study children and adults. But now, with baby boomers hitting retirement at a rate of 10,000 people per day, older people need the attention we’ve historically directed elsewhere.
It’s also a matter of classification. We tend to think of “old age” as a period of uniformity, a blank expanse of useless years. At some point, around age 75, we’re old, and it’s all downhill from there. The US government’s Center for Disease Control (CDC) also fails to acknowledge the diversity of old age. The CDC’s recommendations for the types of care people should get at different ages vary depending on which category you fall under – child, adult or older person.
For children – that is, people under 18 – there are 17 subcategories. For adults, there are five subcategories. People over 60, however, all fall into one group. This implies that there’s no difference between a healthy 70-year-old and a debilitated 90-year-old.
Too often this results in older people not getting the care they need. According to the author, Louise Aronson, changing the way we talk about aging is the first step toward dismantling bias and embracing old age as the vibrant time it can be.
What language might be better? Well, there’s a second part to Guy Micco’s exercise. He also asks his students to react to the word “elder.” These responses are, without fail, far less pejorative, including words like “wise,” “power,” “experience” and “knowledge.”
Therefore, Aronson proposes a new word for old age – “elderhood.”
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What is Elderhood about?
Elderhood (2019) is an exploration of aging in America. Mixing personal anecdotes with sociological insights, author Louise Aronson illuminates what it means to grow old in a society fixated on youth, speed and efficiency. By challenging our stereotypes about old age, we can start paving the path to a better elderhood.
Elderhood Review
Elderhood (2019) by Louise Aronson is a thought-provoking exploration of aging and the challenges faced by older adults in our society. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- Offers a fresh perspective on aging, shedding light on the realities and complexities of growing older.
- Through real-life stories and research, Aronson provides insights into the healthcare system and the need for better care for older adults.
- Unveils the myths and stereotypes surrounding aging, encouraging readers to rethink their perception of the elderly and the value they bring to society.
Who should read Elderhood?
- Children with aging parents
- Students considering the field of geriatrics
- The elderly and the aging
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Elderhood FAQs
What is the main message of Elderhood?
The main message of Elderhood is that aging is a natural and valuable part of life that should be embraced and celebrated.
How long does it take to read Elderhood?
The reading time for Elderhood varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Elderhood a good book? Is it worth reading?
Elderhood is a thought-provoking and insightful read that offers a fresh perspective on aging. It's definitely worth reading.
Who is the author of Elderhood?
The author of Elderhood is Louise Aronson.
What to read after Elderhood?
If you're wondering what to read next after Elderhood, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Natural Causes by Barbara Ehrenreich
- How to Know a Person by David Brooks
- Your Retirement Salary by Richard Dyson and Richard Evans
- Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach
- Bad Therapy by Abigail Shrier
- Gut Check by Steven R. Gundry
- The Longevity Paradox by Steven Gundry
- The Mindful Body by Ellen J. Langer
- How to Talk to Anyone by Leil Lowndes
- Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman